Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 08).djvu/178



Most potent Lord:

The city of Manila in the Filipinas Islands declares that the investigation which it presents to the governor, Gomez Perez de las Marinas, was made at his request and contains its opinion. Since this document will show clearly the excellent reasons for, and the great advantage and lack of all harm resulting from, trade between Macan and the said islands—and, besides the general advantage, that it would be of great importance for the commerce, trade, and conversion of Great China—the city beseeches your Highness to have the investigation examined; and to favor the said city by ordering that commerce be opened with the inhabitants of Macan, in order to enable the inhabitants of the Filipinas Islands to trade and traffic with them. Since this is a matter of so great utility and necessity, as appears from the investigation, may the city receive favor.

(The city: The investigation presented to the governor. Manila, July 15, the day on which it was presented.)